About Benedictine University
Benedictine University brings Catholic values to 1,817 students in suburban Chicago. The school operates on Benedictine principles of community, scholarship, and service that have guided its mission since 1887. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The Eagles compete in 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level, drawing 507 student-athletes to teams that emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition.
Most families pay far less than the sticker price of $34,290 in tuition. The average net price drops to $23,529 after financial aid, with 39% of students receiving Pell Grants for lower-income families. Graduates typically earn $63,446 ten years after graduation. Students leave with a median debt load of $22,500, leading to manageable monthly payments of $239. The employment rate of 94.4% shows strong career outcomes despite the moderate 51% six-year graduation rate.
The student body reflects suburban Chicago's diversity, with 42% white students, 21% Hispanic, and 21% Asian students. About two-thirds come from Illinois, creating a regional feel. Campus housing accommodates 498 students, fostering the close-knit community atmosphere that defines the Benedictine experience.
Most families pay far less than the sticker price of $34,290 in tuition. The average net price drops to $23,529 after financial aid, with 39% of students receiving Pell Grants for lower-income families. Graduates typically earn $63,446 ten years after graduation. Students leave with a median debt load of $22,500, leading to manageable monthly payments of $239. The employment rate of 94.4% shows strong career outcomes despite the moderate 51% six-year graduation rate.
The student body reflects suburban Chicago's diversity, with 42% white students, 21% Hispanic, and 21% Asian students. About two-thirds come from Illinois, creating a regional feel. Campus housing accommodates 498 students, fostering the close-knit community atmosphere that defines the Benedictine experience.
Academics & Faculty
Benedictine University operates as a Catholic liberal arts institution that emphasizes personalized attention and values-based education. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows professors to work closely with students on research projects and career planning. However, only 52% of students graduate within four years, suggesting many need extra time to complete their programs. The university is particularly known for its business, education, and health sciences programs, with nursing and nutrition science drawing strong regional recognition. Students often praise the mentorship opportunities available through small class sizes. The Catholic mission shapes curriculum across disciplines, integrating ethics and service learning into academic requirements.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.0%
- Retention Rate
- 69.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,446
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $85,538 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,661 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,710 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $63,328 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Public Health. | Master | $59,824 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,790 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,852 |
Campus Life
Benedictine's suburban campus sits 25 miles west of downtown Chicago, giving students easy access to internships and city life without urban chaos. Housing capacity accommodates just 498 students out of 1,817 total enrollment, meaning most Eagles commute from nearby towns or live off-campus in Lisle. Winter in northern Illinois means heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, while summers bring humid heat perfect for outdoor activities.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. With 507 athletes competing across 19 Division III sports, game days draw solid crowds despite the school's modest size. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture through service opportunities and spiritual programming, though the diverse student body includes significant Hispanic (21%) and Asian (20%) populations. Students often head to Chicago on weekends for museums, restaurants, and entertainment, while campus events center around the close-knit community feel that comes with fewer than 2,000 students.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. With 507 athletes competing across 19 Division III sports, game days draw solid crowds despite the school's modest size. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture through service opportunities and spiritual programming, though the diverse student body includes significant Hispanic (21%) and Asian (20%) populations. Students often head to Chicago on weekends for museums, restaurants, and entertainment, while campus events center around the close-knit community feel that comes with fewer than 2,000 students.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 498 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1887
Campus Safety (2023)
30 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–31°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 24.3"
Student Demographics
Benedictine draws heavily from Illinois, with two-thirds of students coming from in-state, reflecting its strong regional reputation in the Chicago suburbs. The student body is remarkably diverse, with students of color making up nearly 60% of enrollment. About four in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing the Catholic university's commitment to serving working-class families. The slight male majority likely reflects strength in business and STEM programs. This demographic mix aligns with Benedictine's mission of providing accessible Catholic education to a broad cross-section of students from the greater Chicago area.
- Men
- 52.3%
- Women
- 47.7%
- White
- 42.0%
- Black
- 8.8%
- Hispanic
- 21.0%
- Asian
- 20.7%
- In-State Students
- 65.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.2%
Location
Benedictine University sits in Lisle, Illinois, about 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. The campus occupies a quiet suburban setting in DuPage County, one of the wealthiest counties in the Midwest. Students can reach Chicago's Loop district by commuter rail in under an hour. The surrounding area features tree-lined neighborhoods, shopping centers, and corporate headquarters rather than a traditional college town atmosphere. With 65.51% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with the region's blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility. The Morton Arboretum and several forest preserves provide outdoor recreation nearby. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Benedictine University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lisle, Illinois 60532-0900
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,446
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,132
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Benedictine University?
Benedictine University accepts 93.12% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. This Catholic institution in suburban Chicago prioritizes welcoming students from diverse backgrounds into its close-knit community.
How much does Benedictine University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,529 annually, well below the sticker price of $34,290. The university is particularly generous to lower-income families, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $19,282 net.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Benedictine University?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 13:1, ensuring personalized attention in classrooms. This small Catholic university emphasizes mentorship and individual relationships between professors and its 1,817 students.
What are the graduation outcomes at Benedictine University?
The six-year graduation rate is 51%, while graduates earn a median salary of $63,446 ten years after graduation. The university's emphasis on practical education and career preparation helps its alumni achieve strong employment outcomes.
How many students live on campus at Benedictine University?
Housing capacity accommodates 498 students on the suburban Lisle campus. The university fosters a residential community atmosphere despite serving a relatively small student body of 1,817 total students.
Does Benedictine University have a strong athletics program?
The Eagles compete in NCAA Division III with 19 varsity sports and 507 total student-athletes. The university provides $1,052,220 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant commitment to student-athlete success both on the field and in the classroom.
